Crops department

Corn

Bayer's Option herbicide, which was used on about 1 million corn acres during its 2002 launch year, will add up to 10 new tankmix partners to its label for 2003, pending EPA approval. Several new weeds, plus larger weed sizes, also are expected on the label.

Among the expected new tankmix candidates are several residual grass/small-seeded broadleaf herbicides, including Degree, Degree Xtra, FulTime, Guardsman Max, Harness Xtra, Harness Xtra 5.6L, Keystone and Outlook. Two broadleaf herbicides, Permit and Yukon, also are expected to be added to the label, says Mark Bishop of Bayer Crop- Science.

The Option application window probably will be altered slightly. The maximum corn growth stage for application is expected to increase from V5 to V6, although the maximum crop height would remain at 16 in.

Distinct herbicide from BASF is now registered for use in popcorn. The replant interval also has been shortened to 30 days for all crops, down from 120 days. In addition, the label now lists Option herbicide as a tankmix partner.

The BASF Lightning herbicide label has been changed to allow Callisto and Distinct herbicides in tankmixes. The label also spells out that products containing flumetsulam, thifensulfuron or rimsulfuron (for example, Accent Gold, Basis, Basis Gold, Hornet, Python and Steadfast herbicides) are not allowed with Lightning.

Soybeans

Extreme herbicide from BASF has received a supplemental label allowing for fall applications after harvest and prior to ground freeze. Only spring applications had been allowed in the past.

Scepter 70DG herbicide from BASF has received supplemental labeling for fall applications in Use Regions 2 and 3 (primarily Ohio, Indiana, southern Illinois, Missouri and eastern Kansas) as designated on the main label.

The Prowl herbicide label now has been expanded to cover fall application for the entire state of Illinois, according to BASF.